About Dr. Shannon Connolly, MD
Dr Shannon Connolly, MD, FAAFP, DABFM she/her
Hi, I’m Dr. Connolly, co-founder and board-certified family physician. My approach is simple: I want to understand you—your life, your priorities, and what matters most—so we can make healthcare decisions together.
I’m deeply committed to creating a space that is inclusive, affirming, and never shaming. Whether you are LGBTQ+, neurodiverse, undocumented, living in a larger body, have experienced trauma, or have felt unseen in healthcare before—you are welcome here. Open Arms is meant to be a place that feels safe, human, and supportive.
I’m active in physician leadership and advocacy at the state and national level, working to advance health equity and improve our healthcare system. In 2025, I was honored to be named Family Physician of the Year by the California Academy of Family Physicians.
Outside of work, I enjoy trying new foods, hiking with my dog Sadie, tinkering with my five aquariums, and rescuing animals. Show me pictures of your pets and hobbies!
Education:
Undergraduate: Brown University and Harvard University
Medical School: University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine
Residency: Family Medicine, UCLA
Fellowship: Primary Care Psychiatry, UC Irvine
Accepting new patients.
Patient Survey Results
Patient Education Resources
Treatment for COPD can help improve breathing and slow the progression of the disease. Some treatments include:bronchodilators, which are medications that relax the muscles around the airways to help ...
High cholesterol is a major risk factor for heart disease and stroke. Your healthcare provider will consider several factors when deciding whether or not to prescribe a statin to lower your cholestero...
An enlarged prostate, also known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), is a common condition that affects many men as they age. Treatment options for an enlarged prostate will depend on the severity ...
There are several different types of medications that can be used to help control glucose levels in people with type 2 diabetes, including:Metformin: This is a medication that helps lower blood sugar ...
There are several tests that can be used to diagnose endometriosis, a condition where the tissue that lines the uterus grows outside of it. The most common tests include:Pelvic exam: During a pelvic e...
Education & Training
Undergraduate School: Brown University and Harvard University
Medical School: University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine
Residency in Family Medicine: University of California Los Angeles
Professional Affiliations
Open Arms Primary Care
Open Arms Primary Care provides comprehensive adult primary care for people who haven’t always felt seen, heard, or well-served by the health care system.
We do things differently. We take the time to listen, to understand you, and to build an ongoing relationship. Our care is trauma-informed and grounded in respect for each person’s lived experience, identity, and time.
We are a fully evidence-based medical practice. We follow established clinical guidelines, practice high-quality preventive and chronic disease care, and partner with patients to make thoughtful, informed medical decisions.